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Overcoming mental health stigma in the African-American community

African-Americans are half as likely as whites to seek treatment for mental health issues. Many point to economics as the cause of unequal access while others attribute a deeply rooted stigma around mental health. Some add that an overemphasis on faith as a solution undervalues mental health care. From depression to bipolar disorder, how can we overcome the taboo around mental illness in the African-American community? Join us at 7:30pmET to discuss.

African American Mental Health

The #NoShame campaign recently encouraged African-Americans and other minorities to talk about their mental health issues in order to combat stigma surrounding psychiatric disorders. The Siwe project, a global non-profit dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, sponsored the campaign.

facebook.com

I suffer from bipolar disorder. I am not ashamed of my illness; rather, I am embarrassed by the social stigma. #NoShameIvory Johnson

Other groups, like Ebony magazine, organized online to encourage awareness about the issue.

Hey tweeps! It's time for our #EBONYchat. It is 'Mental Health Awareness Week' and we are discussing mental health in the Black community.EBONY

To promote awareness about the Black community's mental health struggles, comedian Wendell Tucker went on a 40-day fast to raise money for his documentary about the issue.

Hunger Aims Day 11 Check-inWendell Tucker

Many online contributed their thoughts about reasons behind the stigma.

The man who set himself on fire today on the Mall was also black. I wonder if there are mental health issues we're missing in our community.Keith Boykin

@AJAMStream Stigma and a lack of trust in the medical establishment, especially when it comes to mental health.John Maney

Others added their thoughts as to why African Americans are less likely to seek help than their white counterparts.

@AJAMStream because look at the mental health field.. not exactly color rich and add the money factor who can afford it regardless of colorMrs. Donald Trump IV

@AJAMStream @NAMICommunicate Black folks don't need shrinks to clean out their mess. Their mindsets have genetically evolved to arrest that.PAO TZEPG All BLUE